NBPTS Exceptional Needs Specialist Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Prep Resource

The Education for All Handicapped Children Act (EHA) Amendment of 1986 significantly expanded the scope of special education services by specifically extending rights to preschool children aged 3-5. Before this amendment, children with disabilities had access to free and appropriate public education primarily if they were older. With this legislation, it recognized the importance of early intervention and education for younger children, ensuring that educational opportunities and specialized services were available to a younger age group. This move was grounded in research showing that early identification and intervention can greatly improve educational outcomes for children with exceptional needs.

The amendment emphasized the importance of providing support not only to older students but also to preschoolers, laying a foundation for their future education and development. Thus, the identification and implementation of services for young children were crucial advancements in special education policy, establishing a precedent for inclusive practices starting from an early age.